What can I do after two botched benelli lifts? (photo)

Question

I had 2 benelli lifts and the results are bad. I wanted a lift mainly as an areola reduction because I had huge puffy areolas before but now my areolas are misshapen, different sizes, different shapes, and badly scarred. I just want small, ROUND areolas. Is it possible to ever make them round again? I also don't like the feeling of the permanent suture under my skin and would prefer a vertical lift this time around but I'm afraid of my nipples ending up too high on my chest. What are my options?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A vertical lift is done to remove additional skin and lift the breast but it also reduces tension along the circumareolar closure.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

We typically convert Benelli lifts to lollipop or anchor type lifts.  There is a tradeoff involved of more incisions vs less gathering around the areola.  Ultimately, the areola has to look good, so most patients are quite happy with their conversion..

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. A preop photo would've been helpful. A Benelli lift is not really a lift, it is just repositioning the NAC to a higher level. The outcome you have is not out of the ordinary. On the larger side you will need a vertical lift and on the smaller side you will need a revision of your periareolar scar. Placing deep permanent suture to control the stretch and meticulous closure of the skin to prevent the misshapen starburst pattern. The permanent suture can be removed about 6 months later, but might end up with some stretching as opposed to the other side. See other board certified plastic surgeons for an in person consultation/evaluation if you do not want to go back to your original surgeon. Good luck.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Your scarring is predictable following a donut lift and you should not have a third donut lift. You are best to let the scars settle and soften and then consider a lift with a vertical scar or anchor shaped incision.

Sean Kelishadi, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  You are not alone as many people are left disappointed after a donut mastopexy. This is because this procedure is a good choice for a select group of patients.  In general, if the only thing that needs to be done is to move the nipple-areola complex, then a donut lift is ok.  However, if you have anything greater than 25% of the breast gland that also needs to be lifted and/or any shaping that needs to be done with the breast, then a vertical breast lift and sometimes a full anchor is needed.  You already know what needs to be done and don't worry, a good surgeon will not allow your nipples to be placed too high as that is poor form.  Please make sure to seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic breast surgery. I hope this helps!Sincerely,Dr. Sean Kelishadi

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

are common and the worst thing you could have had done was as second Benelli... most well trained surgeons know not to do the same thing when the first procedure fails.  After doing a few Benelli's, I stopped because the results were uniformly poor with bad scars, the palpable suture and flattening of the projection... all huge negatives with breast surgery.  See what your surgeon says about making this better and if it involves another Benelli, time to find another surgeon.  But lollipop lifts may not be possible due to what has been done so you need a face to face consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to find out more.

Asaf Yalif, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with what everyone says below - you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who does a frequent amount of revision breast surgery.

Donald W. Hause, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. When a patient has sagginess (Ptosis) there is falling of the nipple aroalar complex (NAC) and a stretching of skin down and usually laterally. BInelli lifts are popular because the eventual scar is limited to just around the areola. However, it really is not a lift in the classic sense in that no tissue is repositioned and very little skin is removed. It is a compromise procedure that limits the scar to around the areola, but accomplishes much less of a lift. With larger amounts of excess skin and NAC that is very low, Binelli's are just not adequate. The result you have is very typical (and good, actually) for a Binelli with the common limitations of the procedure. To actually lift the breast you will need a formal Mastopexy with at least a lollipop but probably full anchor incision and scar. This is because you have significant skin laxity of the lateral breast and widening of the breast base. Your surgeon was probably trying to limit your scar. Whether or not you are willing to accept the compromise of the necessary scar only you decide. Best of luck.

Michael Hakimi, MD · Answer

Based on your photos your breasts are asymmetric likely even before the surgery with right being larger and more ptotic. You have widening of scar around the nipple which happens often. Unfortunately it is impossible to make any recommendation only based on photos. You need to see a plastic surgeon so during examination he / she would see how much laxity you have and if a redo lift is possible, or whether you are a candidate for another donut or vertical lift.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the photo but an examination is really needed.  So go on some complimentary consultations with experts in your area and be evaluatedDr Corbin

What can I do after two botched benelli lifts? (photo)

Answers (10)

More Breast Lift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Breast Lift Questions

Where should nipple placement be? Are mine too high? (photos)

3.5 months post-op breast lift (no implants): are my scars on track to heal normally? (photos)

Horndeski Method? No scars, why aren't more doctors using this method?

What is this ripping or tearing like pain under my scar 4 months after Breast Lift?

Breast lift to even out breasts: one of my nipples is dark purple and disfigured. Is this abnormal. 5 days post-op? (photos)

Infection on stitches after breast lift and explant with restless legs, chills and body aches. (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS